2013 KIA SORENTO Recalls, Complaints & Safety

On December 21, 2025, my vehicle experienced abnormal knocking/ticking sounds coming from the engine while driving on the interstate (60 mph), and it was difficult going up hills. The check engine light was intermittingly blinking, and there was a strong burning smell. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone and the code displayed P0304 indicating a cylinder 4 misfire. The spark plugs were replaced. However, the knocking sounds, blinking check engine light, and smell of burning happened again, and I took it PepBoys on December 26, 2025. After testing, they indicated that the fuel injector was cracked and fuel was found in the engine oil. I had AAA tow the vehicle to Cochran Kia [XXX] ). The dealership indicated that they would not be able to look at the vehicle until December 29, 2025. The dealership verified that the check engine light was still on and the motor was misfiring badly. They then checked cylinder #4 with a borescope and found that the valve had a crack in it and that the engine would need to be replaced. There was also damage/scoring to the piston and cylinder wall. The dealership corresponded with Kia (Case #25769914), Kia however indicated that there was no powertrain warranty and that this would not be covered under PI1803 and indicated that only applies to bearing failure, and that dealership should provide me with cost estimate to replace the engine. My vehicle has been properly maintained, and I provided the dealership with the additional requested maintenance records on February 14, 2026. I reached out to Kia Customer Care and they indicated to get the engine replaced under the warranty from the settlement, I had to work with the dealership. I contacted the dealership again on 3/12/26 and they said they can't do a warranty replacement because the warranty only covered if it was the rod bearing. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

My driver seat welds broke and is currently held to the base by zipties

My car paint is peeling very bad the color is snow white pear the hole car

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. While the contact's granddaughter was attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that a special device was previously installed in the vehicle because of a legal matter. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who installed the device, and the vehicle was inspected. The contact was informed that the device did not cause the failure. In addition, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The contact was advised to contact the dealer for assistance. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 215,000.

Car stalled several times including as I was turning through an intersection. I took my car to KIA Ganley if Boardman 7870 Market Street Bdmn Two, Youngstown, Ohio 44512. I met w/Gerry who I explained the concerns with car stalling reminding him it had been almost 2 years since the jnick sensor issue was detected. So why am I expected to keep driving a dangerous vehicle without the repair needed??!!!! Also asked about light assembly replacement delay (per recall) since I'm replacing the turn signal & brake bulbs 5-6 times a year while awaiting a replacement. assembly.

As per a consumer affairs article, hub assembly and wheel speed sensors should be covered by power train and/or relevant warranty that comes with Kia. In 2021, after an oil change, certain sensors on the dashboard started showing up, and the dealership informed me that the wheel speed sensor and hub assembly needs to be changed. Though the warranty should have automatically covered it, I had to repeatedly communicate with the Kia customer service center before it was authorized. Though this part is supposed to last for 80000-100000 miles, something similar happened after an oil change, and the diagnosis from local car service center again pointed to the same hub assembly for the same wheel. I ended up redoing this service. Should this be covered considering that it came with a certain lifetime warranty and was a replacement by the OEM? Is there a concern about quality as it happened twice well before the normal time frame, and should I be reimbursed and compensated for the inconvenience caused. Please clarify. Dates: 9/27/21(Confirmed); 10/04/21 (Supposedly Installed); 08/08/25 (Reinstalled)

Tires are Douglas Touring, and Sceptor. Those options were not available. I bought a set of tires that belongs to two different brands. Three from Douglas/Goodyear tires and one is Sceptor all from Walmart. They are supposed to have 50000 miles and 45000 miles respectively. When I took for car service, two different service mechanics mentioned that two of the tires have already reached 2/32. Originally, two tires were bought in June 2023, third tire is July 2024, and fourth tire in Jan 2025. There was already an issue with a tire that led to replacement earlier this year. I even filed a set of NHTSA reports in this regard earlier this year in February 2025. Now, two tires have gone down to less than 7/32, and as stated above has reached 2/32. I even shared a picture of peeling tread that I noticed at the time of purchase. This repeating issue suggests high likelihood with quality concern with these tires. For that matter, suddenly, I was asked to change brake rotor and pads, while previous inspections did not suggest any such change. As you might know, poor tires can also impact the brake rotor and pads. Your support to address this issue quickly would be greatly appreciated.

I am seeing an axle shaft issue for this vehicle and noticed that several vehicles for similar timeline had a safety recall. However, mine is not showing up. Could you look into it and let me know whether my vehicle should also be part of this recall?

Purchased the car in 2020 paint above windshield was beginning to peel, within months the a-pillars were peeling off, the hood is peeling off and now the section above the windshield is beginning to rust due to the peeling. Additional Cases Snow White Pearl paint! Complaint #11700960, 11663682, 11636915, 11630983, 11521467, 11498038.

I am submitting a formal written complaint to supplement my existing NHTSA Safety Report ID 11702339 regarding a serious fuel system defect on my 2013 Kia Sorento. My car began experiencing sluggish starting, sputtering during acceleration, stalling at stop signs and traffic lights, and a strong fuel odor. A check engine light subsequently illuminated, and due to safety concerns, the vehicle was towed to a Kia dealership for diagnosis. The dealership confirmed and documented fuel leakage from the high-pressure fuel pressure regulator and fuel contamination in the engine oil. This defect presents a serious safety risks: increased risk of engine fire due to fuel leakage, unexpected loss of power while stopped or in traffic, and increased likelihood of a collision due to engine stalling. This vehicle previously had its engine replaced under a Kia recall in 2020, making this failure particularly concerning. Fuel system failures and post-recall engine-related defects have been the subject of multiple Kia recalls, service campaigns, and NHTSA investigations involving engine fires and fuel leaks. Despite the dealership's documented diagnosis and clear safety implications, Kia Consumer Affairs denied recall coverage and refused to assist with repair costs, stating this is not a recall-related issue. The estimated repair cost exceeds $1,700, and the vehicle remains unsafe and undrivable. Given the confirmed fuel leakage, fuel contamination of engine oil, prior recall engine replacement, repeated stalling events, and Kia's refusal to acknowledge responsibility, I respectfully request that NHTSA review this case as part of a potential defect trend, particularly involving high-pressure fuel system components on Kia Sorento vehicles with prior recall engine replacements. I am submitting this complaint to ensure this safety issue is formally documented, investigated, and considered for further action to protect consumers. Thank you for your attention to this serious safety matter

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) and 23V652000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The contact stated that while his daughter was driving 45 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. In addition, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact's daughter stated that the engine had seized, and the vehicle had stalled. The contact's daughter was unable to coast to the side of the road. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The following day, the vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that since the first recall repair had not been completed, the manufacturer denied the recall repairs. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The contact received a bill from the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact's daughter stated that before the engine failed, every time the vehicle was started, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. However, after several minutes, the abnormal sound disappeared. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

While driving, my vehicle developed engine knocking, lost power, overheated, and produced smoke from the engine compartment. Shortly after, the engine seized and the vehicle will not start. An authorized dealership diagnosed the failure and recommended a complete engine (long-block) replacement, indicating catastrophic internal engine damage. This failure appears consistent with known Theta II engine bearing defects. The manufacturer is refusing coverage by stating the owner did not bring in the car for the recalls. The recall was preventive monitoring software (KSDS) and did not repair or prevent the underlying mechanical defect that caused the failure. This is a safety concern, as the failure caused loss of power and overheating, creating risk of fire or accident.

I am reporting a safety defect on my 2013 Kia Sorento (VIN: [XXX] ). Before the failure, the vehicle began experiencing sluggish starting, sputtering during acceleration, stalling when stopped at traffic lights or stop signs, a noticeable fuel odor, and eventually a check engine light. These symptoms increased over several days, and once the check engine light illuminated, we had the vehicle towed to a Kia dealership for diagnosis. At the dealership, the problem was confirmed and reproduced by their technicians. They diagnosed: •Fuel leakage from the high-pressure fuel pressure regulator •Fuel contamination in the engine oil These components and diagnostic findings are available for inspection upon request. This issue poses a significant safety risk. Fuel leakage and fuel-in-oil contamination increase the potential for an engine fire, and the hesitation, sputtering, and stalling at intersections present a risk of unexpected loss of power in traffic, which could result in a collision. The vehicle previously had its engine replaced under a Kia recall in 2020, and the current symptoms are consistent with known Kia engine and fuel system defects addressed in past recalls and technical service bulletins. The vehicle has been inspected only by the dealership so far; it has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. Kia Consumer Affairs has been contacted and is reviewing the case. I am requesting that NHTSA review this issue as a potential defect trend involving the high-pressure fuel system on this model, especially in vehicles with prior recall-related engine replacements. Documentation from the dealership, including the diagnostic report and repair estimate, is available upon request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the ABS had failed, and the brakes needed to be repaired. The vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); and the recall repair was completed; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was informed of the persistent failure; however, the vehicle had not been taken to the dealer for another diagnostic test or repair. The manufacturer was informed of the failure, and a case was opened. The manufacturer referred the contact to the dealer for additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.

I was on my way back from California to Mississippi when motor derated and started knocking in Williams , Az. My Kia only has 137,000 miles and Kia denying my claim for the extended warranty claim. I change my oil myself and keep my vehicle in great shape. To deny claim they also have to prove lack of servicing caused the defect. That is part of the Magnuson-Moss warranty act. I rented a vehicle to get back home and hired a trucking company to bring Kia back. They never did and after my job let me take two days to get my car back home I rented a truck and trailer to bring it home. So yes I’m very ill about Kia’s work practices.I took Kia to the dealership in Tupelo,Ms. and Kia had them remove valve cover and deny my claim. The vehicle messed up in July, but I wasn’t able to get it till September 1,2025 and then get it to dealership. It has been there till today cause I went and got it. I’m still waiting to get my denial letter.A woman by the name Vanessa is the one who called me to tell me it was denied. Mileage is a little over the 137,000. But battery is completely dead so I can’t get the exact mileage.

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while stopped at a stop light, while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle lost motive power in the intersection. No warning light was illuminated. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was towed by the warranty company to AAMCO, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was informed of an engine recall, and the vehicle was then towed to a local Kia dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and informed the contact that the original owner would have received the recall and that the repair would not be covered. The contact was informed that the former owner should have notified her of the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 114,000.

My motor is knocking and losing compression

I have a 2013 Kia Sorento. The color is Pearl White and the paint is peeling off in several areas of the vehicle. The paint started peeling about 4 or 5 yrs ago and is getting worse. I have contacted Kia dealership and they claim there is nothing they can do. From every thing I have researched this is a known problem and stems from a paint defect. If it is a paint defect it should be covered by the manufacturer. Also the black trim around the windshield and driver /passenger door mirrors have severe deterioration. I will include photos.

In 2017, our 2013 Kia Sorento was brought in for recall work associated with SC147. The work was completed, and the Kia service department stated that even though we have a branded/salvage title, we would receive the extended warranty associated with SC147. Recently, while driving down a busy highway, the engine started knocking, at which point the check engine light came on, and the vehicle would no longer accelerate. The car had to be pulled off to the side of the road, and towed to a repair shop. Upon inspection, the repair shop indicated the issue was related to SC147, and would need to be taken to Kia for further inspection and repair. Kia has indicated, now, that SC147 was closed due to the inspection and KSDS update done in 2017, and that we are not covered by the extended warranty associated with SC147 due to the branded title, which contradicts what was previously stated by Kia's service department. Kia has stated that they will NOT replace the engine. Even though this is a safety issue associated with SC147, Kia is unwilling to take accountability and seems to be sidestepping replacement due to having a branded/salvage title.

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that when starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.

While driving down the road the car just went dead. No warning. It was the oil pump that had gone out and froze the engine causing complete loss of control of the vehicle.

Back up camera on Kia Sorento screens go black out of nowhere. After research online I have seen that this is a very common problem with Kia vehicles, and they haven't issued a recall on them. It isn't safe to be operating without one of the vehicles safety features because the vehicle owner doesn't want to pay to repair something they didn't damage.

Code p0014 indicates that the Bank 1 exhaust camshaft position timing was advanced beyond limits for a pre determined period of time.

This vehicle has a oil consumption problem that causes engine damage and Kia will not take responsibility for especially after the car being maintained. On top of it even with substantial evidence that this was a manufacturing defect that Kia is refusing to take accountability for and completely dismisses any claims or complaints and not even bothered to speak with you unless the car has warranty which is absurd because this was a again a manufacturing defect of the vehicle not from not sustaining the vehicle from the driver that owns it. It also did not give off any warning signs or any indication that there was a problem until the problem completely left me without a car. Without a warning or indication this was a hazard and luckily I did not have my children in the car when the oil brought broke and pierced an immense hole causing my engine damage. Kia sorentos are known for this defect it has had a lawsuit for this with other Kia sorento's they need to put this model also as I dug deeper I am not the only one that has this problem I'm currently trying to pursue a lawsuit with Kia corporation for this however as you know this is not an easy process This was definitely a safety issue that could have became extremely severe and risked my life and my children

Fire 1 injured

This vehicle has a oil consumption problem that causes engine damage and Kia will not take responsibility for especially after the car being maintained. On top of it even with substantial evidence that this was a manufacturing defect that Kia is refusing to take accountability for and completely dismisses any claims or complaints and not even bothered to speak with you unless the car has warranty which is absurd because this was a again a manufacturing defect of the vehicle not from not sustaining the vehicle from the driver that owns it. It also did not give off any warning signs or any indication that there was a problem until the problem completely left me without a car. Without a warning or indication this was a hazard and luckily I did not have my children in the car when the oil brought broke and pierced an immense hole causing my engine damage. Kia sorentos are known for this defect it has had a lawsuit for this with other Kia sorento's they need to put this model also as I dug deeper I am not the only one that has this problem I'm currently trying to pursue a lawsuit with Kia corporation for this however as you know this is not an easy process This was definitely a safety issue that could have became extremely severe and risked my life and my children

Fire 1 injured

This vehicle has a oil consumption problem that causes engine damage and Kia will not take responsibility for especially after the car being maintained. On top of it even with substantial evidence that this was a manufacturing defect that Kia is refusing to take accountability for and completely dismisses any claims or complaints and not even bothered to speak with you unless the car has warranty which is absurd because this was a again a manufacturing defect of the vehicle not from not sustaining the vehicle from the driver that owns it. It also did not give off any warning signs or any indication that there was a problem until the problem completely left me without a car. Without a warning or indication this was a hazard and luckily I did not have my children in the car when the oil brought broke and pierced an immense hole causing my engine damage. Kia sorentos are known for this defect it has had a lawsuit for this with other Kia sorento's they need to put this model also as I dug deeper I am not the only one that has this problem I'm currently trying to pursue a lawsuit with Kia corporation for this however as you know this is not an easy process This was definitely a safety issue that could have became extremely severe and risked my life and my children

Fire 1 injured

my vehicle falls under the 2013 Kia Sorrento engine replacement and fuel pump. Recall these have not been done to my vehicle. I even double checked with the previous owner and Kia did not service the engine or replace it although it has a recall under mine, and all the symptoms stated in the recall with the engine and fuel pump are happening with my vehicle now how do I get this service covered under the recall also a very strong fuel odor

The car just completely stalled while driving on a busy street with myself and my children in the car. I first was alerted that it may just be the starter by a local mechanic. I fixed that and it still would not start. I then went and got a new battery and that did not work either. At that point I had the car towed to the Kia dealership. The mechanic told me that the car engine was a part of a recall for Kia. He told me that he would put the claim in and that Kia would fix it. He told me to send in my registration and drivers license. A couple of weeks later he informed me that they would not fix my engine because the registration was expired. The expired registration has nothing to do with their faulty recalled engine. I had this issue escalated and still was told they would not fix it.

premature bearing wear within the engine

Kia failed to take accountability for rods related to oil pan and engine damage defect on this vehicle. Did not offer other safety options and did not give any warning signs. I have ALL my receipts and maintenance on vehicle that I DID Maintain my vehicle responsible and this was a Kia vehicle safety issue on manufacturing. I did not receive any warning or lights on my dashboard and I have all my oil change receipts. Please see all attached documents for my complaint. All Kia customer service was concerned with was warranty when this is a manufacturing product defect of this car not being put together properly and my vehicle has been serviced over years at a Kia dealership and no one has ever told me my vehicle was not maintained. Kia corporation won't even investigate or even move forward in any direction even with all my receipts reports and evidence to submit my claims are true.

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH on an interstate, the vehicle abruptly decelerated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an unknown local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that upon picking up the vehicle from the dealer, the vehicle made an abnormally loud clunking, metal-on-metal sound; however, the dealer confirmed that there was no failure found. The vehicle was taken to a tire shop, where it was determined that the motor mounts had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The manufacturer confirmed the warranty coverage. The approximate failure mileage was 151,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine, and the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. An unknown repair was performed. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. An unknown repair was performed. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

While driving the car will stall, making maneuvering the car to safety difficult. There was no warning that this was happening. I did take the car to a mechanic, he said because the engine light was not on, he could not track the problem. I had this happen at least 6 times in the past few months

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that there was a puddle of oil underneath the vehicle whenever the vehicle was parked. There was a burning fuel odor coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that there was oil and anti-freeze between the cylinder head and engine block, causing the head bolts to be stripped. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who confirmed that the VIN was not under an engine recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed the result of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The paint all over the car had begun to delaminate and its only a 2013. The entire front of the hood, the side bar of the windshield on both the passenger and driver sides, and the roof along the windshield are flaking off manufacturers paint in large sheets. The back side has begun to develop small chips that will eventually match the front. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Because the loss of the protective paint on my car can and has been leading to rust issues on the metal underneath the paint. This is known to weaken the vehicle's body structure. This is especially problematic in potential areas of the car that are prone to collision, thereby compromising the vehicles safety over time, if allowed to continue to delaminate. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? All across the internet people are posting their pictures of their white Kia Sorento having the exact issue mine has. Also in the small town I live in there are at least 10 people who drive a white Kia Sorento like mine and each one is losing their paint to peeling and delamination. Just driving across California you can see that this is a manufacturing issue that has effected most all their customers who bought a white Kia from 2013 - 2018. After reading this question I am making an appointment to go into an Official Kia dealership to address this issue and get their feedback and hopefully a resolution on their end. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? I have not had anyone inspect it to date, but intend on getting an appointment with Kia at their next available opening. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There were no precursors. Car was perfect when I purchased.

I called quirk Kia in Manchester NH to have the recall done on my vehicle..my vehicle has had a hard time starting and staying started sometimes...the vehicle would shut down while driving all dash lights come on and loose s all power to gas pedal and steering..had hard time starting for couple weeks before it stopped starting ..I believe there is electrical problem ..but when I called quirk to get the recall done the service guy told me he can not do the recall unless the vehicle runs ..I told him I believe it's not running because of the part that is being recalled .he said I doubt it .I then asked for a supervisor and he told me he doesn't have one ..then I asked him his name he again told me he doesn't have one .so I said are you really gonna refuse to do this recall ..it has to be done he then hung up on me ..I tried calling back and got to the sales department..spoke to the GM in sales and explained what just happened with the service department and he told me I would get a call back and still haven't heard from them ..this recall has to be done ..and I don't know what else to do